LEARN TO SKATE
“Learn to Skate USA® teaches your kids lessons to sharpen their focus and provide greater balance on and off the ice. As they conquer challenges on their paths to amazing, new worlds well beyond the world of skating will happen right before their eyes.”
LEARN TO SKATE, ELLENTON ICE
This is where the journey begins! Whether your just beginning, or have skated a few times, Learn To Skate is a great way to start lessons because the fundamental skills are the focus. Learn To Skate lessons are taught by Ellenton Ice figure skating and/or power skating coaches. Classes are kept small (between 7-10 students) giving each skater time with the coach and time on their own to practice their skills. Private skating lessons are beneficial for beginners because focusing on fundamental skill development in a one-on-one learning environment helps address the unique needs of each skater.
Schedule
Learn to Skate classes are one, half-hour long (except Hockey Academy which is one full hour) and are on the following days and times:
Tuesday
Skate Academy & Hockey Academy – 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Wednesday
Skate Academy – 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Thursday
Skate Academy & Hockey Academy – 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Saturdays
Skate Academy – 9:45am to 11:45am
What to Wear
Helmet
We tend to fall down more as we are learning and because the ice is hard, we recommend wearing a helmet (a bicycle helmet is sufficient).
Long Sleeves, Long Pants, & Gloves
It gets cold on the ice! After the ice is used, it can be “choppy” with rough surfaces that can irritate or even scrape the skin. Long sleeves and pants, and gloves help keep us warm and safe!
Skates
Skates should be fitted to the exact shoe size of the skater when wearing normal socks. Skates should be tied tight to offer support to the angles and knees, but not too snug where circulation is impaired.
LEARN TO SKATE LEVELS, ELLENTON ICE
Each level of our Learn To Skate program has a button detailing the required skills to master in order to advance to the next level. Once a skater masters a skill, they receive a sticker for that element. Once all skills or elements have been mastered, the skater is then assessed on all skills confirming they are ready to proceed. Our program offers an individual journey in a group setting, so skaters are not left waiting for the group or being moved up to quickly. They get the time they need to feel confident about the skills they need to master.
Snowplow Sam - Levels 1-3
This is for our skaters most eager to get on the ice! In Snowplow Sam, skaters are building a good relationship with the ice and skating with interactive activities, games, and the opportunity to meet new friends!
Basic Skills - Levels 1-8
From learning how to fall and get back up to backwards crossovers and T-stops, Basic Skills teaches skaters all the critical, foundational skills needed to be an all-around great skater. Skaters in this category are eligible to start competing either Compulsory Basic Skills or Basic Skills with Music to gain valuable competition experience in a recreational setting.
Freestyle - Levels 1-6
Closely modeled after US Figure Skating’s Aspire program, our Freestyle program offers an entry-level look at the world of figure skating. The program is a great introduction to the sport because it contains skills from of figure skating’s disciplines. There are jumps and spins, edge work, skating skills, turns, combination elements and more! Within these levels, skaters start their US Figure Skating, Skating Skills, and Ice Dance tests. Once the Freestyle program has been completed, skaters have confidently mastered all single jumps including Axel, combination spins, entry level Skating Skills test elements and more. Skaters in this category compete at US Figure Skating’s Aspire level.
Hockey Academy
The Hockey Academy is Ellenton Ice’s introduction to the game of hockey and all the related programs offered at Ellenton Ice. Hockey Academy is a program designed to introduce players to skating in their full gear with a hockey stick and participate in skill and drill development that aligns more to the sport of hockey than general skating. Hockey Academy focuses on beginner level drills aimed to develop explosion, acceleration, balance, agility, and skating skill development in a fun, fast-paced class. Skaters may enroll in the Hockey Academy after completing Basic Skills Level 3, or after an on-ice assessment. It is recommended that skaters complete Basic Skills Level 5 to help with fundamental skills like backwards crossovers and hockey stops. The Hockey Academy is a “touch and go” program designed to prepare the player for the Lightning Learn to Play, Recreational, and Travel Team hockey programs. Skaters who complete Basic Skills Level 5 before or during Hockey Academy enrollment tend to need less time in the program because they’ll have mastered crucial skating fundamentals.
All players should bring a water bottle for lessons to be placed on the player’s bench across from the entry door. Healthy hydration is key for development and safety!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There is a one-time registration for each skater and discounts applied to multiple registrations. In addition, there are monthly dues based on the number of lessons you wish to participate in each week. If you are just starting out, one to two lessons a week is more than plenty. If you love it, the more you come and practice the better you’ll get!
Monthly dues also include skate rentals on the day of your lesson. IF you’re just starting out, we recommend starting in figure skates as they do not have the same rounded heels and toes as hockey skates, and offer more ankle support. If you find yourself coming to lessons consistently, we do recommend getting a good pair of skates. We have an on-site pro-shop with staff that can help you find the right equipment for your needs.
Also included with your monthly dues is Skate Academy ice on the day of your lesson. This time is held at the same time as the public sessions and offers skaters the opportunity to practice their skills, take private lessons, or just skate with their friends!
Tuesday-Thursday
2:25pm-5:25pm
Saturday
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Schedules vary so please the Ellenton Ice Schedule or contact the arena for more information.
US Center for SafeSport
Coaches are required to be US SafeSport certified and attend regular trainings and re-certifications. All skaters have the right to participate, learn, grow, and skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that is free from all abuse, discrimination, and isolation. Any concerns regarding US Center for SafeSport policies, regulations, and guidelines should always be addressed as soon as possible through the organizations appropriate channels and local law enforcement when applicable. Please click the logo below for more information.
FOSTERING RESPECT.
ENDING ABUSE IN SPORT.
STILL NOT SURE?
Still not sure if skating is right for you? Ellenton Ice offers a “Try It Free” session each Saturday at 10:45am in which you get time on the ice with our expert, friendly, and fun coaches! Signup must be done in advance and is limited, so if you want to see if skating is the coolest sport, contact Ellenton Ice today! If this is your first time, or it has been a while since you have skated, we recommend wearing a helmet, gloves, and long sleeves, and long pants! All participants will get a chance to learn about the Learn To Skate program and receive a coupon for same-day registration!
THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS!
Learn To Skate is a great way to try a new sport in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Skating is a great way to be active, learn self-awareness and discipline, learn to skills, meet new friends, and discover passion through sport. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or what your skill level is, there is always a spot for everyone in skating.
If you still have questions or wish to book a private lesson, fill out the form below and start your On Ice Advantage today!
See you on the ice!
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